Being considerate of others when you’re sick is one of the first steps to good sick etiquette. Here are some tips that can help you take care of yourself and others.

“Some of your coworkers may sympathize and give you a break, but others are just not going to see it that way,” says etiquette expert Diane Gottsman. “Most people, when they hear you cough, are going to be thinking of themselves and the increased risk of you getting them sick since you’re exposing them to your germs.”

With that, Gottsman says the name of the game is keeping those germs to yourself. Here are Gottsman’s sick etiquette tips:

Tip #1: Telecommute

If it is physically possible for you to complete a day’s work at home, that is probably the most ideal solution. If that’s not a typical arrangement at your place of employment, though, frame it as being beneficial to your boss and your fellow employees. For example: “I understand we have this important deadline coming up, which is why I would prefer not to spread this bug to others. What if I worked on the project from my home office today instead of coming in? Of course, if you need anything at all, I’m just a phone call or email away.”

Tip #2: Touch No One

If a friend moves in for a hug or a handshake, kindly warn them that you are recovering from a cold and would prefer to “play it safe” before extending your hand or leaning in for a hug.

Tip #3: Keep A Sickness Arsenal

Keep your desk well-stocked to help you treat your symptoms and keep common areas germ-free. Your kit should include tissues, disinfecting wipes, a hand sanitizer, pain relievers and cough syrup like Robitussin®.

Tip #4: Avoid Shared Surfaces

As you move around, put your hands in your pockets and touch as little as possible. Cold viruses can survive several hours on surfaces, transferring easily to your colleagues. Germs can be hard to contain and avoid, but you can do your part by wiping down shared areas like a table or chair with a disinfecting wipe when you are finished using them.

Tip #5: Cover Your Mouth Wisely

Coughs and sneezes give germs and viruses a nice little vehicle to get around and infect others nearby. When you must cough or sneeze, use a tissue or cough into your arm or elbow — never your hand, because the hands help spread the germs around.

Tip #6: Minimize Coughing

When people hear someone cough in a crowded space they may feel annoyed and anxious about getting sick themselves, according to a recent online survey conducted by the Harris Poll. One effective way to suppress your cough is to treat it with a powerful cough reliever. One product Gottsman recommends is Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough+Chest Congestion DM Day/Night Pack, which conveniently helps you control your cough day or night. Each formula has a fresh berry flavor and provides fast, powerful relief to quiet that annoying cough.

It’s not always possible or practical to stay home for several days when you come down with a cold, but practicing good sick etiquette can help keep viruses from spreading to those around you.